Alternative Identification Of Objects For Constrained Networks

ABSTRACT

A system for assigning alternative identification to objects can include a first communication device of a first object, where the first communication device broadcasts a first communication signal that includes a first identification of the first object. The system can also include a first electrical device having a first receiver and a first transmitter, where the first receiver receives the first communication signal. The system can further include a controller communicably coupled to the first electrical device, where the controller retrieves the first identification of the first communication device from the first communication signal, assigns a first alternative identification to the first communication device based on the first identification, saves the first identification and the first alternative identification of the first object in a first table, and sends a second communication signal that includes the first alternative identification and the first identification of the first object.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to locating objects in aspace, and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices foralternative identification of objects in constrained networks.

BACKGROUND

Different methods are used to locate an object within a volume of space.For example, when signals (e.g. radio frequency (RF) signals) areinvolved, the strength of each signal can be measured to help determinethe location of an object within a volume of space. When the location isdone in real-time, the system to implement this process is oftenreferred to as a real-time location system (RTLS). Each object can beassociated with an identification number.

SUMMARY

In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a system forassigning alternative identification to objects in a volume of space.The system can include a first communication device of a first objectdisposed in the volume of space, where the first communication devicebroadcasts a first communication signal into the volume of space, wherethe first communication signal includes a first identification of thefirst object. The system can also include a first electrical devicedisposed in the volume of space, where the first electrical deviceincludes a first receiver and a first transmitter, where the firstreceiver receives the first communication signal broadcast by the firstcommunication device of the first object. The system can further includea controller communicably coupled to the first electrical device. Thecontroller can retrieve the first identification of the firstcommunication device from the first communication signal. The controlleralso can assign a first alternative identification to the firstcommunication device based on the first identification. The controllerfurther can save the first identification and the first alternativeidentification of the first object in a first table. The controller alsocan send a second communication signal that includes the firstalternative identification and the first identification of the firstobject.

In another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a controllerfor assigning alternative identification to objects in a volume ofspace. The controller can be configured to receive a firstidentification of a first communication device associated with a firstobject in a first communication signal. The controller can also beconfigured to assign a first alternative identification to the firstcommunication device based on the first identification. The controllercan further be configured to save the first identification and the firstalternative identification of the first object in a table. Thecontroller can also be configured to send a second communication signalthe includes the first alternative identification and the firstidentification of the first object.

These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will beapparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments of real-time locationof an object using multiple electrical devices and are therefore not tobe considered limiting of its scope, as real-time location of an objectusing multiple electrical devices may admit to other equally effectiveembodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally,certain dimensions or positioning may be exaggerated to help visuallyconvey such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designatelike or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a system in accordance with certain exampleembodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a computing device in accordance with certain exampleembodiments.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of another system in accordance with certainexample embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a system in a healthcare environment in accordance withcertain example embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows another system in a manufacturing environment in accordancewith certain example embodiments.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a side and top view, respectively, of a system inwhich an object is located in a volume of space in accordance withcertain example embodiments.

FIG. 7 shows the system of FIGS. 6A and 6B when a signal is sent by oneof the light fixtures in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows the system of FIGS. 6A through 7 when a signal is sent bythe object in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows a diagram of an integrated sensor module in accordance withcertain example embodiments.

FIGS. 10-15 show an example in accordance with certain exampleembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The example embodiments discussed herein are directed to systems,methods, and devices for alternative identification of objects inconstrained networks. While example embodiments are described herein asusing multiple light fixtures to locate and identify an object in avolume of space, example embodiments can use one or more of a number ofother electrical devices in addition to, or as an alternative to, lightfixtures. Such other electrical devices can include, but are not limitedto, a light switch, a control panel, a thermostat, an electrical walloutlet, an integrated sensor device (defined below) (e.g., a smokedetector, a CO₂ monitor, a motion detector, a broken glass sensor), anda camera.

Further, any of a number of location methods can be used with exampleembodiments to locate one or more objects in real-time (using RTLS).Examples of such location methods can include, but are not limited to,time-of-flight (ToF), angle of arrival (AoA), and angle of departure(AoD). Any of these methods can involve measurements of one or moreother parameters with respect to signals aside from signal strength.Examples of such other parameters can include, but are not limited to,distance of travel, angle, and time of travel. Regardless of thelocation method used, these signals include an identification of anobject, and example embodiments provide an alternative identificationfor the object.

Example embodiments can be used for a volume of space having any sizeand/or located in any environment (e.g., indoor, outdoor, hazardous,non-hazardous, high humidity, low temperature, corrosive, sterile, highvibration). Further, while signals described herein are radio frequency(RF) signals, example embodiments can be used with any of a number ofother types of signals and/or platform, including but not limited tovisible light signals, LiFi, WiFi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy(BLE), RFID, ultraviolet waves, microwaves, and infrared signals. Forexample, RF signals transmitted using BLE are sent and received atapproximately 2.4 GHz.

When an electrical device in an example system is a light fixture (alsocalled a luminaire), the light fixture can be any of a number of typesof light fixtures, including but not limited to a troffer, a pendantlight fixture, a floodlight, a spotlight, an emergency egress fixture,an exit sign, a down can light fixture, and a high bay light fixture.Regardless of the type of light fixture, such a light fixture can useone or more of a number of different types of light sources, includingbut not limited to light-emitting diode (LED) light sources, fluorescentlight sources, organic LED light sources, incandescent light sources,and halogen light sources. Therefore, light fixtures described herein,even in hazardous locations, should not be considered limited to aparticular type of light source.

Example embodiments provide various methods to provide an alternativeidentification for an object in an efficient manner that uses relativelylittle bandwidth. Example embodiments can be used to provide analternative identification for an object in real time using RTLSstructures. In addition, example embodiments provide a high level ofdata security if such security is desired by a user. Example embodimentsare also more reliable compared to location methods used in the currentart, using low amounts of power on demand. Example embodiments can beinstalled with new electrical (e.g., lighting, security, entertainment,HVAC) systems, including electrical devices thereof. Alternatively,example embodiments can be programmed into existing electrical systemsand related equipment with little to no need to add or modify existinghardware.

In certain example embodiments, electrical devices used for real-timelocation of an object and subsequently providing an alternativeidentification of the object are subject to meeting certain standardsand/or requirements. For example, the National Electric Code (NEC), theNational Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the InternationalElectrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Federal Communication Commission(FCC), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)set standards as to electrical enclosures (e.g., light fixtures),wiring, and electrical connections. Use of example embodiments describedherein meet (and/or allow a corresponding device to meet) such standardswhen required. In some (e.g., PV solar) applications, additionalstandards particular to that application may be met by the electricalenclosures described herein.

If a component of a figure is described but not expressly shown orlabeled in that figure, the label used for a corresponding component inanother figure can be inferred to that component. Conversely, if acomponent in a figure is labeled but not described, the description forsuch component can be substantially the same as the description for thecorresponding component in another figure. The numbering scheme for thevarious components in the figures herein is such that each component isa three-digit number or a four-digit number, and correspondingcomponents in other figures have the identical last two digits. For anyfigure shown and described herein, one or more of the components may beomitted, added, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly, embodimentsshown in a particular figure should not be considered limited to thespecific arrangements of components shown in such figure.

Further, a statement that a particular embodiment (e.g., as shown in afigure herein) does not have a particular feature or component does notmean, unless expressly stated, that such embodiment is not capable ofhaving such feature or component. For example, for purposes of presentor future claims herein, a feature or component that is described as notbeing included in an example embodiment shown in one or more particulardrawings is capable of being included in one or more claims thatcorrespond to such one or more particular drawings herein.

Example embodiments of alternative identification of objects inconstrained networks will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments ofalternative identification of objects in constrained networks are shown.Alternative identification of objects in constrained networks may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, theseexample embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of alternativeidentification of objects in constrained networks to those or ordinaryskill in the art. Like, but not necessarily the same, elements (alsosometimes called components) in the various figures are denoted by likereference numerals for consistency.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, and “within” are used merely todistinguish one component (or part of a component or state of acomponent) from another. Such terms are not meant to denote a preferenceor a particular orientation, and such terms are not meant to limitembodiments of alternative identification of objects in constrainednetworks. In the following detailed description of the exampleembodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownfeatures have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarilycomplicating the description.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a system 100 that includes multiple electricaldevices 102 and one or more objects 160 in a volume of space 199 inaccordance with certain example embodiments. Specifically, the system100 can include electrical device 102-1, one or more other electricaldevices 102-N, one or more users 150, a network manager 180, and one ormore wireless access controllers 185 (WACs 185). Electrical device 102-1and the other electrical devices 102-N can collectively be referred toas electrical devices 102. Each electrical device 102 (e.g., electricaldevice 102-1) can include a controller 104, one or more sensor devices165, one or more optional antennae 175, an optional switch 145, a powersupply 140, and a number of electrical device components 142. Thecontroller 104 can include one or more of a number of components. Suchcomponents, can include, but are not limited to, a control engine 106, acommunication module 108, a timer 110, a power module 112, a storagerepository 130, a hardware processor 120, a memory 122, a transceiver124, an application interface 126, and, optionally, a security module128.

The components shown in FIG. 1 are not exhaustive, and in someembodiments, one or more of the components shown in FIG. 1 may not beincluded in an example electrical device 102. Any component of theexample electrical device 102 can be discrete or combined with one ormore other components of the electrical device 102. For example, eachelectrical device 102 in the system 100 can have its own controller 104.Alternatively, one controller 104 can be used to control multipleelectrical devices 102 in the system. An electrical device 102 is anydevice that uses electricity, at least in part, to operate. A list ofsome potential electrical devices 102 is described above.

A user 150 may be any person that interacts with an electrical device102 and/or an object 160 in the volume of space 199. Specifically, auser 150 may program, operate, and/or interface with one or morecomponents (e.g., a controller 104, a WAC 185, the network manager 180)associated with the system 100 using example embodiments. Examples of auser 150 can include, but are not limited to, an employee, an engineer,an electrician, a technician, an operator, a visitor, a supervisor, aconsultant, a contractor, an asset, the network manager 180, and amanufacturer's representative.

A user 150 can include and use a user system 155 (also sometimes calleda user device 155), which may include a display (e.g., a GUI). A user150 (including an associated user system 155) interacts with (e.g.,sends data to, receives data from) the controller 104 of an electricaldevice 102 via the application interface 126 (described below). A user150 (including an associated user system 155) can also interact with thenetwork manager 180, one or more WACs 185, the sensor devices 165,and/or one or more of the objects 160. Interaction (includingtransmission of communication signals 195) between a user 150 (includingan associated user system 155) and the electrical devices 102, thenetwork manager 180, the WACs 185, the sensor devices 165, and theobjects 160 can be facilitated using communication links 105.

Each communication link 105 can include wired (e.g., Class 1 electricalcables, Class 2 electrical cables, electrical connectors) and/orwireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, visible light communication, cellular networking,Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, WirelessHART, ISA100,Power Line Carrier, RS485, DALI) technology. For example, acommunication link 105 can be (or include) one or more electricalconductors that are coupled to the housing 103 of electrical device102-1 and to a sensor device 165. The communication links 105 cantransmit signals (e.g., power signals, communication signals 195 (e.g.,RF signals), control signals, data) between the electrical devices 102,the users 150 (including associated user system 155), the sensor devices165, the objects 160 (including an associated communication device 190),the WACs 185, and/or the network manager 180. For example, theelectrical devices 102 of the system 100 can interact with the one ormore objects 160 by transmitting communication signals 195 (e.g., RFsignals) over one or more communication links 105, as discussed below.The signals transmitted over the communication links 105 are made up ofbits of data, which can include an identification of the object 160 (orcommunication device 190 thereof).

The network manager 180 is a device or component that controls all or aportion of the system 100 that includes the controller 104 of at leastone of the electrical devices 102 and the WACs 185. The features (e.g.,modules) included with and/or the functions performed by the networkmanager 180 can be substantially similar to those included with and/orperformed by the controller 104 and/or a WAC 185. Alternatively, thenetwork manager 180 can include one or more of a number of featuresand/or perform one or more of a number of functions in addition to, oraltered from, the features of the controller 104 and/or a WAC 185, bothdescribed below. There can be more than one network manager 180 and/orone or more portions of a network manager 180.

In some cases, a network manager 180 can be called an insight manager, amaster controller, or a RTLS location engine. In such a case, thenetwork manager 180 receives data from the WACs 185 and processes thisdata (e.g., using algorithms 133 and/or protocols 132) to determine thelocation of one or more objects 160 in real time. The network manager180 can be located in the volume of space 199 or remotely from thevolume of space 199. The network manager 180 can use the variouscommunications received from the WACs 185 to locate an object 160 in twodimensions or in three dimensions within the volume of space 199. Incertain example embodiments, the network manager 180 (e.g., using acontroller like the controller 104) can establish and maintainalternative identification values for one or more objects 160.

Each WAC 185 (sometimes more simply called an access controller, as ageneric term and/or when wired communication links 105 are involved)performs a number of different functions. For example, a WAC 185 canhelp communicate with and control the controller 104 of one or moreelectrical devices 102 to help operate those electrical devices 102. ForRTLS applications, the WAC 185 can be responsible for pairing with theZigbee-enabled integrated sensor devices 165 and/or other electricaldevices 102, providing configuration data to the integrated sensordevices 165 and/or other electrical devices 102, synchronizing thetiming of those integrated sensor devices 165 and/or other electricaldevices 102, supporting the firmware of those integrated sensor devices165 and/or other electrical devices 102, upgrading those integratedsensor devices 165 and/or other electrical devices 102, receivinglocation/telemetry data (e.g., using a Zigbee-enabled communicationlinks 105) from the integrated sensor devices 165 and/or otherelectrical devices 102, and/or performing any other function withrespect to those integrated sensor devices 165 and/or other electricaldevices 102 to support RTLS activities, which can include establishingand maintaining alternative identification values for one or moreobjects 160.

When a WAC 185 receives data (e.g., packed egress data that arrives asingress data) from an integrated sensor device 165 and/or otherelectrical device 102, the WAC 185 can convert the data into a differentformat (e.g., ECAPI). The WAC 185 can then send the newly-formatted datato the network manager 180. To help diagnose issues, a WAC 185 canmaintain counters for each paired integrated sensor device 165 and/orother electrical device 102 and include, for example, the number ofreceived packed data messages from a particular integrated sensor device165 and/or other electrical device 102, the number of formatted messagessuccessfully transmitted to the network manager 180 that pertain to thepacked data from a particular integrated sensor device 165 and/or otherelectrical device 102, and the number of formatted messages pertainingto the packed data from a particular integrated sensor device 165 and/orother electrical device 102 that failed to transmit to the networkmanager 180.

In some cases, a WAC 185 maintains the average and maximum latencyintroduced between the receipt of a message from an integrated sensordevice 165 and/or other electrical device 102 and transmission of aformatted message to the network manager 180. The WAC 185 can alsonotify the network manager 180 when the average or maximum latencyexceeds a threshold value. Further, a WAC 185 can communicate to thenetwork manager 180 when there is a significant discrepancy (e.g., asdetermined by the WAC 185) between the ingress and egress packets withrespect to an integrated sensor device 165 and/or other electricaldevice 102. When there are multiple WACs 185, they can all betime-synchronized with each other. In some cases, the features (e.g.,modules) included with and/or the functions performed by a WAC 185 canbe substantially the same as those included with and/or performed by thecontroller 104 of electrical device 102-1. A WAC 185 can be located inthe volume of space 199 or remotely from the volume of space 199.

As defined herein, an object 160 can be any unit or group of units. Anobject 160 can move on its own, is capable of being moved, or isstationary. Examples of an object 160 can include, but are not limitedto, a person (e.g., a user 150, such as a visitor or an employee), apart (e.g., a motor stator, a cover), a piece of equipment (e.g., a fan,a container, a table, a chair), or a group of parts of equipment (e.g.,a pallet stacked with inventory). A system 100 can have no objects 160,one object 160, or multiple objects 160 in the volume of space 199 at aparticular point in time.

Each object 160 can include a communication device 190 (also sometimescalled a tag, a beacon, or other name known in the art, depending on theconfiguration of the communication device 190), which can receivecommunication signals 195 from and/or send communication signals 195 toone or more electrical devices 102, which can include an integratedsensor device 165. The communication device 190 of an object 160 canbroadcast communication signals 195 that can be received by anyelectrical devices 102 within range of the broadcast or sendcommunication signals 195 addressed to electrical devices 102.

A communication device 190 can include one or more of a number ofcomponents (e.g., transceiver, antenna, switch, power module) and/orhave the functionality described below with respect to a controller 104and/or an associated electrical device 102. For example, a communicationdevice 190 can include a control engine, a transceiver, and an antennato allow the communication device 190 to send communication signals 195to and/or receive communication signals 195 from one or more electricaldevices 102 in the system 100.

Using example embodiments, a communication device 190 of an object 160can be in sleep mode for a predefined interval, at which point it staysawake for a period of time or until the communication device 190receives a communication signal 195 (e.g., a RF signal) broadcast by oneor more electrical devices 102. When this occurs, the communicationdevice 190 can turn on long enough to interpret the initial (received)communication signal 195, and then generate and send its own subsequentcommunication signal 195 (e.g., another RF signal) to one or more of theelectrical devices 102 in response to the initial communication signal195. This response communication signal 195 can include a UUID (or otherform of identification) as well as a reference (e.g., signal code) tothe initial communication signal 195 and/or the electrical device 102that sent the initial communication signal 195, if any. Theidentification of the object 160 or communication device 190 thereof)included with the RF signal 195 sent by the communication device 190 canbe 24 or 48 bits. Once the response communication signal 195 is sent bya communication device 190, the communication device 190 can go backinto sleep mode, thereby reserving a considerable amount of power.

The communication device 190 can use one or more of a number ofcommunication protocols in sending communication signals 195 to and/orreceiving communication signals 195 from the electrical devices 102. Incertain example embodiments, an object 160 (or a portion thereof, suchas the communication device 190) can include a battery (a form of powersupply or power module) that is used to provide power, at least in part,to some or all of the rest of the object 160, including thecommunication device 190.

A user 150 (including an associated user system 155), the networkmanager 180, one or more sensor devices 165, one or more WACs 185,and/or the other electrical devices 102-N can interact with thecontroller 104 of the electrical device 102-1 using the applicationinterface 126 in accordance with one or more example embodiments.Specifically, the application interface 126 of the controller 104receives data (e.g., information, communications, instructions) from andsends data (e.g., information, communications, instructions) to the user150 (including an associated user system 155), the network manager 180,the sensor devices 165, one or more WACs 185, and/or one or more of theother electrical devices 102-N. The user 150 (including an associateduser system 155), the network manager 180, the sensor devices 165, oneor more WACs 185, and/or one or more of the other electrical devices102-N can include an interface to receive data from and send data to thecontroller 104 in certain example embodiments. Examples of such aninterface can include, but are not limited to, a graphical userinterface, a touchscreen, an application programming interface, akeyboard, a monitor, a mouse, a web service, a data protocol adapter,some other hardware and/or software, or any suitable combinationthereof.

The controller 104, the user 150 (including an associated user system155), the network manager 180, the sensor devices 165, one or more WACs185, and/or one or more of the other electrical devices 102-N can usetheir own system or share a system in certain example embodiments. Sucha system can be, or contain a form of, an Internet-based or anintranet-based computer system that is capable of communicating withvarious software. A computer system includes any type of computingdevice and/or communication device, including but not limited to thecontroller 104. Examples of such a system can include, but are notlimited to, a desktop computer with a Local Area Network (LAN), a WideArea Network (WAN), Internet or intranet access, a laptop computer withLAN, WAN, Internet or intranet access, a smart phone, a server, a serverfarm, an android device (or equivalent), a tablet, smartphones, and apersonal digital assistant (PDA). Such a system can correspond to acomputer system as described below with regard to FIG. 2.

Further, as discussed above, such a system can have correspondingsoftware (e.g., user software, controller software, network managersoftware). The software can execute on the same or a separate device(e.g., a server, mainframe, desktop personal computer (PC), laptop, PDA,television, cable box, satellite box, kiosk, telephone, mobile phone, orother computing devices) and can be coupled by the communication network(e.g., Internet, Intranet, Extranet, LAN, WAN, or other networkcommunication methods) and/or communication channels, with wire and/orwireless segments according to some example embodiments. The software ofone system can be a part of, or operate separately but in conjunctionwith, the software of another system within or in communication with thesystem 100.

The electrical device 102-1 can include a housing 103. The housing 103can include at least one wall that forms a cavity 101. In some cases,the housing 103 can be designed to comply with any applicable standardsso that the electrical device 102-1 can be located in a particularenvironment (e.g., a hazardous environment, a wet environment). Thehousing 103 of the electrical device 102-1 can be used to house one ormore components of the electrical device 102-1, including one or morecomponents of the controller 104. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, thecontroller 104 (which in this case includes the control engine 106, thecommunication module 108, the timer 110, the power module 112, thestorage repository 130, the hardware processor 120, the memory 122, thetransceiver 124, the application interface 126, and the optionalsecurity module 128), the one or more sensor devices 165, an optionalswitch 145, one or more optional antennae 175, the power supply 140, andthe electrical device components 142 are disposed in the cavity 101formed by the housing 103. In alternative embodiments, any one or moreof these or other components of the electrical device 102-1 can bedisposed on the housing 103 and/or remotely from the housing 103.

The storage repository 130 can be a persistent storage device (or set ofdevices) that stores software and data used to assist the controller 104in communicating with the user 150 (including a user system 155), thenetwork manager 180, one or more of the objects 160, the sensor devices165, one or more WACs 185, and one or more of the other electricaldevices 102-N within the system 100. In one or more example embodiments,the storage repository 130 stores one or more protocols 132, one or morealgorithms, 133, and object data 134.

The protocols 132 can be any procedures (e.g., a series of method steps)and/or other similar operational procedures that the control engine 106of the controller 104 follows based on certain conditions at a point intime. The protocols 132 can also include any of a number ofcommunication protocols that are used to send and/or receive databetween the controller 104 and the user 150 (including an associateduser system 155), the network manager 180, the one or more of the otherelectrical devices 102-N, the sensor devices 165, one or more WACs 185,and one or more of the objects 160 (including an associatedcommunication device 190). One or more of the protocols 132 used forcommunication can be a time-synchronized protocol. Examples of suchtime-synchronized protocols can include, but are not limited to, ahighway addressable remote transducer (HART) protocol, a wirelessHARTprotocol, and an International Society of Automation (ISA) 100 protocol.In this way, one or more of the protocols 132 used for communication canprovide a layer of security to the data transferred within the system100.

The algorithms 133 can be any formulas, mathematical models, forecasts,simulations, and/or other similar tools that the control engine 106 ofthe controller 104 uses to reach a computational conclusion. An exampleof one or more algorithms 133 is calculating the strength of acommunication signal 195 and comparing the strength of a communicationsignal 195 with a threshold value. Algorithms 133 can be used to analyzepast data, analyze current data, and/or perform forecasts.

One or more particular algorithms 133 can be used in conjunction withone or more particular protocols 132. For example, one or more protocols132 and one or more algorithms 133 can be used in conjunction with eachother to track an object 160 (including an associated communicationdevice 190) using occupancy information measured by one or more sensordevices 165. As another example, one or more protocols 132 and one ormore algorithms 133 can be used in conjunction with each other to trackan object 160 (including an associated communication device 190) usingencoded IR signaling, which can involve one or more sensor devices 165.As still another example, one or more protocols 132 and one or morealgorithms 133 can be used in conjunction with each other to track anobject 160 (including an associated communication device 190) based on atemporal separation of objects 160 based on a received signal strengthindicator (RSSI), which can be measured by one or more sensor devices165.

As yet another example, one or more protocols 132 and one or morealgorithms 133 can be used in conjunction with each other to retrievethe identification of an object 160 (including potentially an associatedcommunication device 190) from a communication signal 195 received fromthe communication device 190, generate an alternative identification forthe object 160 (including potentially an associated communication device190), populate a table of identifications of objects 160 with theoriginal identification and the alternative identification for theobject 160 (including potentially an associated communication device190), and send a subsequent communication signal 195 using thealternative identification.

Object data 134 can be any data associated with each object 160(including an associated communication device 190) that is communicablycoupled to the controller 104. Such data can include, but is not limitedto, a manufacturer of the object 160, a model number of the object 160(including an associated communication device 190), communicationcapability of the communication device 190 of an object 160, last knownlocation of the object 160, and age of the object 160. The storagerepository 130 can also store one or more other types of data, includingbut not limited to preferences of a user 150, threshold values, tables(e.g., identification tables), results from algorithms 133, historicaldata (e.g., measurements of sensor devices 165), and nameplateinformation for equipment (e.g., sensor devices 165, electrical devicecomponents 142).

Examples of a storage repository 130 can include, but are not limitedto, a database (or a number of databases), a file system, a hard drive,flash memory, cloud-based storage, some other form of solid state datastorage, or any suitable combination thereof. The storage repository 130can be located on multiple physical machines, each storing all or aportion of the protocols 132, the algorithms 133, and/or the object data134 according to some example embodiments. Each storage unit or devicecan be physically located in the same or in a different geographiclocation.

The storage repository 130 can be operatively connected to the controlengine 106. In one or more example embodiments, the control engine 106includes functionality to communicate with a user 150 (including anassociated user system 155), the network manager 180, the objects 160(including an associated communication device 190), the sensor devices165, one or more WACs 185, and the other electrical devices 102-N in thesystem 100. More specifically, the control engine 106 sends informationto and/or receives information from the storage repository 130 in orderto communicate with a user 150 (including an associated user system155), the network manager 180, the objects 160 (including an associatedcommunication device 190), the sensor devices 165, one or more WACs 185,and the other electrical devices 102-N. As discussed below, the storagerepository 130 can also be operatively connected to the communicationmodule 108 in certain example embodiments.

In certain example embodiments, the control engine 106 of the controller104 controls the operation of one or more components (e.g., thecommunication module 108, the timer 110, the transceiver 124) of thecontroller 104. For example, the control engine 106 can put thecommunication module 108 in “sleep” mode when there are nocommunications between the controller 104 and another component (e.g.,an object 160 (including an associated communication device 190), asensor device 165, a WAC 185, a user system 155) in the system 100 orwhen communications between the controller 104 and another component inthe system 100 follow a regular pattern. In such a case, power consumedby the controller 104 is conserved by only enabling the communicationmodule 108 when the communication module 108 is needed.

As another example, the control engine 106 can direct the timer 110 whento provide a current time, to begin tracking a time period, and/orperform another function within the capability of the timer 110. As yetanother example, the control engine 106 can direct the transceiver 124to send communication signals 195 (e.g., RF signals) and/or stop sendingcommunication signals 195 to one or more sensor devices 165 and/or oneor more WACs 185 in the system 100. The control engine 106 can alsoinstruct a sensor device 165 to communicate with an object 160(including an associated communication device 190 thereof), with a WAC185, with the network manager 180, and/or with the controller 104. Thisexample provides another instance where the control engine 106 canconserve power used by the controller 104 and other components (e.g., acommunication device 190 of an object 160, the sensor devices 165) ofthe system 100.

The control engine 106 can determine when to broadcast one or morecommunication signals 195 in an attempt to locate an object 160(including an associated communication device 190). To conserve energy,the control engine 106 does not constantly broadcast communicationsignals 195, but rather only does so at discrete times. The controlengine 106 can broadcast a communication signal 195 based on one or moreof a number of factors, including but not limited to passage of time,the occurrence of an event, instructions from a user 150 (including anassociated user system 155), and a command received from the networkmanager 180. The control engine 106 can coordinate with the controllers104 of one or more of the other electrical devices 102-N and/or directlycontrol one or more of the other electrical devices 102-N to broadcastmultiple communication signals 195. The control engine 106 can alsodetermine the signal strength (e.g., RSSI) of one or more of thecommunication signals 195 that are broadcast by the communication device190 of an object 160, in some cases in response to the communicationsignal 195 broadcast by the electrical device 102-1.

In some cases, the control engine 106 of the electrical device 102-1(or, in some cases, the network manager 180 communicating with thecontroller 104) can locate the object 160 (including an associatedcommunication device 190) based on the multiple communication signals195 sent by the communication device 190 of the object 160, in somecases in response to the multiple communication signals 195 broadcast bythe electrical devices 102. To accomplish this, the control engine 106obtains the multiple communication signals 195 (directly and/or fromanother control engine 106 from one or more of the other electricaldevices 102-N) broadcast by the communication device 190 of an object160 and uses one or more protocols 132 and/or algorithms 133 todetermine the location of the object 160 (including the associatedcommunication device 190).

For example, the protocols 132 and/or algorithms 133 used by the controlengine 106 can track an object 160 (including an associatedcommunication device 190) using occupancy information, a detailedexample of which is shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B below. As another example,the protocols 132 and/or algorithms 133 used by the control engine 106can track an object 160 (including an associated communication device190) using encoded IR signaling. As yet another example, the protocols132 and/or algorithms 133 used by the control engine 106 can track anobject 160 using a temporal separation of objects 160 based on RSSI.

As still another example, the control engine 106 of the controller 104can use one or more protocols 132 and one or more algorithms 133 toretrieve the identification of an object 160 (including potentially anassociated communication device 190) from a communication signal 195received from the communication device 190, generate an alternativeidentification for the object 160 (including potentially an associatedcommunication device 190), populate a table of identifications ofobjects 160 with the original identification and the alternativeidentification for the object 160 (including potentially an associatedcommunication device 190), and send (e.g., to a WAC 185, to the networkmanager 180) a subsequent communication signal 195 using the alternativeidentification. These example embodiments have the advantages of usingless bandwidth of data and improving accuracy relative to currently-usedtechnology and/or methods. When used for RTLS, the system 100 can locateone or more objects 160 in the volume of space 199 in two or threedimensions.

The control engine 106 of the controller 104 can also use the protocols132 and/or the algorithms 133 to extract the identification (e.g., theoriginal identification, an alternative identification) of an object 160from a communication signal 195 (e.g., RF signal) received from thecommunication device 190 of the object 160 directly by the transceiver124 or by another electrical device 102-N (e.g., an integrated sensordevice 165). The control engine 106 of the controller 104 can also usethe storage repository 130, the protocols 132, and/or the algorithms 133to determine if the ID of the object 160 (including an associatedcommunication device 190) is part of a list (e.g., a table) ofidentifications associated with the object 160 (including an associatedcommunication device 190). Such a table can be used, for example, todetermine whether subsequent communication generated by the controlengine 106 is sent to a WAC 185 and/or the network manager 180.

The control engine 106 of the controller 104 can further use theprotocols 132 and/or the algorithms 133 to interpret the measurementsmade by one or more of the sensors of a sensor module 165. For instance,if a sensor device 165 includes a PIR sensor, then the PIR sensor candetect motion within a sensing range and/or occupancy within a RTLSoccupancy zone. In such a case, the control engine 106 can interpretthese detections by the PIR sensor.

The control engine 106 of the controller 104 can also use the protocols132 and/or the algorithms 133 to generate a subsequent communicationsignal 195 (e.g., a RF signal) to a WAC 185 that is based on receipt ofthe first communication signal. For example, a subsequent communicationsignal can include a number of bits that are directed to informationsuch as, for example, the identification of the object 160 (includingthe associated communication device 190), the identification of a sensordevice 165, and the RSSI of the communication signal 195 (e.g., RFsignal) received by the sensor device 165.

In some cases, control engine 106 of the controller 104 can further usethe protocols 132 and/or the algorithms 133 to determine whether acertain amount of time (e.g., a threshold value of time) has passedsince a communication signal 195 involving an object 160 (including anassociated communication device 190) has been received. In such a case,the control engine 106 can purge the record of the originalidentification and/or the alternative identification of the object 160(including the associated communication device 190).

In some cases, a controller of a WAC 185 and/or the network manager 180(as opposed to the controller 104 of the electrical device 102-1) cangenerate and/or maintain one or more tables that contain the originalidentification and a shorter alternative identification for each object160 in the volume of space 199. In such a case, the controller of theWAC 185 and/or the network manager 180 can generate the alternativeidentification for an object 160, designate a hierarchy or priority ofobjects 160, track the amount of time (e.g., using the timer 110) sincethe last communication received from a particular object 160, and/or anyother information associated with an object 160. All of this informationcan be inserted into a table, and the controller of the WAC 185 and/orthe network manager 180 can push the table (or relevant portionsthereof) to the controller 104 of the electrical device 102-1. As atable is updated, these updates can also be pushed from the WAC 185and/or the network manager 180 to the controller 104 of the electricaldevice 102-1.

The original identification of an object 160 can be a certain size(e.g., 6 bytes (48 bits), 3 bytes (24 bits)). This identification cansometimes be called a media access control (MAC) address or MACidentification. In certain example embodiments, the alternativeidentification generated by a control engine 106 of a controller 104(e.g., of the network manager 180, of a WAC 185, of the electricaldevice 102-1) can be a size (e.g., 8 bits, 9 bits, 10 bits, 11 bits)that is smaller than the size of the original identification. Thisalternative identification can sometimes be called a system MAC (SMAC)address or a SMAC identification.

In maintaining a table, the control engine 106 of the controller 104(e.g., of the network manager 180, of a WAC 185, of the electricaldevice 102-1) can purge line items (e.g., identification informationassociated with an object 160) due to inactivity, a new location of theobject 160, a reorganization of the objects 160 by a user 150, a newprotocol for establishing the alternative identification (e.g., usingfewer bits, using more bits), and/or for some other reason.

The control engine 106 can provide control signals, communicationsignals 195, and/or other signals to a user 150 (including an associateduser system 155), the network manager 180, the other electrical devices102-N, the sensor devices 165, one or more WACs 185, and one or more ofthe objects 160 (including associated communication devices 190).Similarly, the control engine 106 can receive control signals,communication signals 195, and/or other signals from a user 150(including an associated user system 155), the network manager 180, theother electrical devices 102-N, the sensor devices 165, one or more WACs185, and one or more of the objects 160 (including associatedcommunication devices 190). The control engine 106 can communicate witheach object 160 (including an associated communication device 190)automatically (for example, based on one or more algorithms 133 storedin the storage repository 130) and/or based on control signals,communication signals 195, and/or other signals received from anotherdevice (e.g., the network manager 180, another electrical device 102).The control engine 106 may include a printed circuit board, upon whichthe hardware processor 120 and/or one or more discrete components of thecontroller 104 are positioned.

In certain example embodiments, the control engine 106 can include aninterface that enables the control engine 106 to communicate with one ormore components (e.g., power supply 140) of the electrical device 102-1.For example, if the power supply 140 of the electrical device 102-1operates under IEC Standard 62386, then the power supply 140 can includea digital addressable lighting interface (DALI). In such a case, thecontrol engine 106 can also include a DALI to enable communication withthe power supply 140 within the electrical device 102-1. Such aninterface can operate in conjunction with, or independently of, thecommunication protocols 132 used to communicate between the controller104 and a user 150 (including an associated user system 155), thenetwork manager 180, the other electrical devices 102-N, the sensordevices 165, one or more WACs 185, and the objects 160 (includingassociated communication devices 190).

The control engine 106 (or other components of the controller 104) canalso include one or more hardware and/or software architecturecomponents to perform its functions. Such components can include, butare not limited to, a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter(UART), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), a direct-attached capacity(DAC) storage device, an analog-to-digital converter, aninter-integrated circuit (I²C), and a pulse width modulator (PWM).

By using example embodiments, while at least a portion (e.g., thecontrol engine 106, the timer 110) of the controller 104 is always on,the remainder of the controller 104 and the communication devices 190 ofthe objects 160 can be in sleep mode when they are not being used. Inaddition, the controller 104 can control certain aspects (e.g., sendingcommunication signals 195 to and receiving communication signals 195from the communication device 190 of an object 160) of one or more otherelectrical devices 102-N in the system 100.

The communication network (using the communication links 105) of thesystem 100 can have any type of network architecture. For example, thecommunication network of the system 100 can be a mesh network. Asanother example, the communication network of the system 100 can be astar network. When the controller 104 includes an energy storage device(e.g., a battery as part of the power module 112), even more power canbe conserved in the operation of the system 100. In addition, usingtime-synchronized communication protocols 132, the data transferredbetween the controller 104 and a user 150 (including an associated usersystem 155), the network manager 180, the sensor devices 165, one ormore WACs 185, the communication devices 190 of the objects 160, and theother electrical devices 102-N can be secure.

The communication module 108 of the controller 104 determines andimplements the communication protocol (e.g., from the protocols 132 ofthe storage repository 130) that is used when the control engine 106communicates with (e.g., sends signals to, receives signals from) a user150 (including an associated user system 155), the network manager 180,the other electrical devices 102-N, the sensor devices 165, one or moreWACs 185, and/or one or more of the objects 160 (including thecommunication devices 190). In some cases, the communication module 108accesses the object data 134 to determine which protocol 132 forcommunication is within the capability of the communication device 190of an object 160 for a communication signal 195 sent by the controlengine 106. In addition, the communication module 108 can interpret theprotocol 132 for communication of a communication signal 195 (e.g., a RFsignal) received by the controller 104 so that the control engine 106can interpret the communication.

The communication module 108 can send data (e.g., protocols 132, objectdata 134) directly to and/or retrieve data directly from the storagerepository 130. Alternatively, the control engine 106 can facilitate thetransfer of data between the communication module 108 and the storagerepository 130. The communication module 108 can also provide encryptionto data that is sent by the controller 104 and decryption to data thatis received by the controller 104. The communication module 108 can alsoprovide one or more of a number of other services with respect to datasent from and received by the controller 104. Such services can include,but are not limited to, data packet routing information and proceduresto follow in the event of data interruption.

The timer 110 of the controller 104 can track clock time, intervals oftime, an amount of time, and/or any other measure of time. The timer 110can also count the number of occurrences of an event, whether with orwithout respect to time. Alternatively, the control engine 106 canperform the counting function. The timer 110 is able to track multipletime measurements concurrently. The timer 110 can measure the time offlight (ToF) of one or more RF signals 195, even simultaneously. Thetimer 110 can track time periods based on an instruction received fromthe control engine 106, based on an instruction received from the user150 (including a user system 155), based on an instruction programmed inthe software for the controller 104, based on the last instance that acommunication signal 195 was received from a particular communicationdevice 190 of an object 160, based on some other condition or from someother component, or from any combination thereof.

The power module 112 of the controller 104 provides power to one or moreother components (e.g., timer 110, control engine 106) of the controller104. In addition, in certain example embodiments, the power module 112can provide power to one or more other components (e.g., the powersupply 140, a sensor device 165, an electrical device component 142) ofthe electrical device 102-1. The power module 112 can include one ormore of a number of single or multiple discrete components (e.g.,transistor, diode, resistor), and/or a microprocessor. The power module112 may include a printed circuit board, upon which the microprocessorand/or one or more discrete components are positioned.

The power module 112 can include one or more components (e.g., atransformer, a diode bridge, an inverter, a converter) that receivespower (for example, through an electrical cable) from a source externalto the electrical device 102-1 and generates power of a type (e.g.,alternating current, direct current) and level (e.g., 12V, 24V, 120V)that can be used by the other components of the controller 104 and/or byanother component of the electrical device 102-1. In addition, or in thealternative, the power module 112 can be a source of power in itself toprovide signals to the other components of the controller 104 and/oranother component of the electrical device 102-1. For example, the powermodule 112 can include an energy storage device (e.g., a battery). Asanother example, the power module 112 can include a localizedphotovoltaic power system.

The hardware processor 120 of the controller 104 executes software inaccordance with one or more example embodiments. Specifically, thehardware processor 120 can execute software on the control engine 106 orany other portion of the controller 104, as well as software used by auser 150 (including an associated user system 155), the network manager180, the sensor devices 165, one or more WACs 185, the communicationdevices 190 of the objects 160, and/or one or more of the otherelectrical devices 102-N. The hardware processor 120 can be anintegrated circuit, a central processing unit, a multi-core processingchip, a multi-chip module including multiple multi-core processingchips, or other hardware processor in one or more example embodiments.The hardware processor 120 is known by other names, including but notlimited to a computer processor, a microprocessor, and a multi-coreprocessor.

In one or more example embodiments, the hardware processor 120 executessoftware instructions stored in memory 122. The memory 122 includes oneor more cache memories, main memory, and/or any other suitable type ofmemory. The memory 122 is discretely located within the controller 104relative to the hardware processor 120 according to some exampleembodiments. In certain configurations, the memory 122 can be integratedwith the hardware processor 120.

In certain example embodiments, the controller 104 does not include ahardware processor 120. In such a case, the controller 104 can include,as an example, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), one ormore insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), and/or one or moreintegrated circuits (ICs). Using FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and/or other similardevices known in the art allows the controller 104 (or portions thereof)to be programmable and function according to certain logic rules andthresholds without the use of a hardware processor. Alternatively,FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and/or similar devices can be used in conjunctionwith one or more hardware processors 120.

The transceiver 124 of the controller 104 can send (using a transmitter)and/or receive (using a receiver) control and/or communication signals195 (e.g., RF signals). Specifically, the transceiver 124 can be used totransfer data between the controller 104 and a user 150 (including anassociated user system 155), the network manager 180, the otherelectrical devices 102-N, one or more of the sensor devices 165, one ormore WACs 185, and/or the objects 160 (including associatedcommunication devices 190). The transceiver 124 can use wired and/orwireless technology. The transceiver 124 can be configured in such a waythat the control and/or communication signals 195 sent and/or receivedby the transceiver 124 can be received and/or sent by anothertransceiver that is part of a user 150 (including an associated usersystem 155), the network manager 180, the other electrical devices102-N, one or more sensor devices 165, one or more WACs 185, and/or theobjects 160 (including associated communication devices 190).

When the transceiver 124 uses wireless technology, any type of wirelesstechnology can be used by the transceiver 124 in sending and receivingsignals (e.g., communication signals 195). Such wireless technology caninclude, but is not limited to, Wi-Fi, visible light communication,infrared (IR), cellular networking, Zigbee, BLE, and Bluetooth. Forexample, the transceiver 124 can include a Zigbee transmitter, a Zigbeereceiver, a BLE receiver, a BLE transmitter, an active IR transmitter,and/or an active IR receiver. The transceiver 124 can use one or more ofany number of suitable communication protocols (e.g., ISA100, HART) whensending and/or receiving signals, including communication signals 195.Such communication protocols can be stored in the protocols 132 of thestorage repository 130. Further, any transceiver information for a user150 (including an associated user system 155), the network manager 180,the other electrical devices 102-N, the sensor devices 165, one or moreWACs 185, and/or the objects 160 (including associated communicationdevices 190) can be part of the object data 134 (or similar areas) ofthe storage repository 130.

Optionally, in one or more example embodiments, the security module 128secures interactions between the controller 104, a user 150 (includingan associated user system 155), the network manager 180, the otherelectrical devices 102-N, the sensor devices 165, one or more WACs 185,and/or the objects 160 (including associated communication devices 190).More specifically, the security module 128 authenticates communicationfrom software based on security keys verifying the identity of thesource of the communication. For example, user software may beassociated with a security key enabling the software of a user system155 of a user 150 to interact with the controller 104 of the electricaldevice 102-1. Further, the security module 128 can restrict receipt ofinformation, requests for information, and/or access to information insome example embodiments.

As mentioned above, aside from the controller 104 and its components,the electrical device 102-1 can include a power supply 140, one or moresensor devices 165, one or more optional antennae 175, an optionalswitch 145, and one or more electrical device components 142. Theelectrical device components 142 of the electrical device 102-1 aredevices and/or components typically found in the electrical device 102-1to allow the electrical device 102-1 to operate. An electrical devicecomponent 142 can be electrical, electronic, mechanical, or anycombination thereof. The electrical device 102-1 can have one or more ofany number and/or type of electrical device components 142. For example,when the electrical device 102-1 is a light fixture, examples of suchelectrical device components 142 can include, but are not limited to, alight source, a light engine, a heat sink, an electrical conductor orelectrical cable, a terminal block, a lens, a diffuser, a reflector, anair moving device, a baffle, a dimmer, and a circuit board.

The power supply 140 of the electrical device 102-1 can provide power toone or more of the electrical device components 142, one or more of thesensor devices 165, the optional switch 145, and/or the optionalantennae 175. The power supply 140 can be substantially the same as(e.g., in terms of functionality, in terms of components), or differentthan, the power module 112 of the controller 104. The power supply 140can include one or more of a number of single or multiple discretecomponents (e.g., transistor, diode, resistor), and/or a microprocessor.The power supply 140 may include a printed circuit board, upon which themicroprocessor and/or one or more discrete components are positioned.

The power supply 140 can include one or more components (e.g., atransformer, a diode bridge, an inverter, a converter) that receivespower (for example, through an electrical cable) from or sends power tothe power module 112 of the controller 104. The power supply 140 cangenerate power of a type (e.g., alternating current, direct current) andlevel (e.g., 12V, 24V, 120V) that can be used by the recipients (e.g.,the electrical device components 142, the controller 104) of such power.In addition, or in the alternative, the power supply 140 can receivepower from a source (e.g., AC mains, an electrical outlet) external tothe electrical device 102-1. In addition, or in the alternative, thepower supply 140 can be or include a source of power in itself. Forexample, the power supply 140 can include an energy storage device(e.g., a battery), a localized photovoltaic power system, or some othersource of independent power.

Each of the one or more sensor devices 165 of the electrical device102-1 can include any type of sensor that measures one or moreparameters. Examples of types of sensors of sensor devices 165 caninclude, but are not limited to, a passive infrared sensor, a photocell,a pressure sensor, an air flow monitor, a gas detector, and a resistancetemperature detector. Examples of a parameter that is measured by asensor of a sensor device 165 can include, but are not limited to,occupancy in the volume of space 199, motion in the volume of space 199,a temperature, a level of gas, a level of humidity, an amount of ambientlight in the volume of space 199, and a pressure wave. A sensor device165 can have one sensor or multiple sensors.

In some cases, the parameter or parameters measured by a sensor of asensor device 165 can be used to operate one or more of the electricaldevice components 142 of the electrical device 102-1. In addition, or inthe alternative, the one or more parameters measured by a sensor of asensor device 165 can be used to locate one or more objects 160 inaccordance with certain example embodiments. For example, if a sensordevice 165 is configured to detect the presence of an object 160(including an associated communication device 190), that information canbe used to determine whether a communication (e.g., a communicationsignal 195) received from a communication device 190 of an object 160should be forwarded to the network manager 180.

In some cases, a sensor device 165 can be an integrated sensor device165, which can be considered a type of electrical device 102. Anintegrated sensor device 165 has both the ability to sense and measureat least one parameter and the ability to independently communicate withanother component (e.g., the communication device 190 of an object 160,a WAC 185). The communication capability of an integrated sensor device165 can include one or more communication devices that are configured tocommunicate with, for example, the controller 104 of the electricaldevice 102-1, a WAC 185, and/or a controller (substantially similar tothe controller 104 described herein) of another electrical device 102-N.For example, an integrated sensor device 165 can include a sensor thatis a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, a transceiver that sends andreceives signals (e.g., communication signals 195) using Zigbee, areceiver that receives signals (e.g., communication signals 195) usingBLE, and a receiver that actively receives IR signals. In such a case,the PIR sensor measures IR light radiating from objects 160 in its fieldof view, often for the purpose of detecting motion.

Each integrated sensor device 165 can use one or more of a number ofcommunication protocols. This allows an integrated sensor device 165 tocommunicate with one or more components (e.g., a communication device190 of an object 160, a WAC 185, one or more other integrated sensordevices 165) of the system 100. The communication capability of anintegrated sensor device 165 can be dedicated to the sensor device 165,shared with one or more other sensor devices 165 that are notintegrated, and/or shared with the controller 104 of the electricaldevice 102-1. When the system 100 includes multiple integrated sensordevices 165, one integrated sensor device 165 can communicate, directlyor indirectly, with one or more of the other integrated sensor devices165 in the system 100.

If the communication capability of an integrated sensor device 165 isdedicated to the integrated sensor device 165, then the integratedsensor device 165 can include one or more components (e.g., memory 122,a storage repository 130, a transceiver 124, a communication module108), or portions thereof, that are substantially similar to thecorresponding components described above with respect to the controller104. A sensor device 165 (whether integrated or not) can be associatedwith the electrical device 102-1 and/or another electrical device 102 inthe system 100. A sensor device 165 (whether integrated or not) can belocated within the housing 103 of the electrical device 102-1, disposedon the housing 103 of the electrical device 102-1, or located outsidethe housing 103 of the electrical device 102-1.

In certain example embodiments, a sensor device 165 (whether integratedor not) can include an energy storage device (e.g., a battery) that isused to provide power, at least in part, to some or all of the sensordevice 165. In such a case, the energy storage device can be the sameas, or independent of, an energy storage device or other power supply140 of the electrical device 102-1. The optional energy storage deviceof the sensor module 165 can operate at all times or when the powersupply of the electrical device 102-1 is interrupted. The controller 104can provide the functionality of these components used by the sensordevice 165. Alternatively, the sensor device 165 can be integrated andinclude, either on its own or in shared responsibility with thecontroller 104, one or more of the components of the controller 104. Insuch a case, the integrated sensor device 165 can correspond to acomputer system as described below with regard to FIG. 2. An example ofan integrated sensor device is shown below with respect to FIG. 9.

As discussed above, the electrical device 102 can include one or moreoptional antennae 175. An antenna 175 is an electrical device thatconverts electrical power to communication signals 195 (e.g., RFsignals) (for transmitting) and communication signals 195 to electricalpower (for receiving). In transmission, a radio transmitter (e.g.,transceiver 124) supplies, through the optional switch 145 when multipleantenna 175 are involved, an electric current oscillating at radiofrequency (i.e. a high frequency alternating current (AC)) to theterminals of the antenna 175, and the antenna 175 radiates the energyfrom the current as signals (e.g., communication signals 195). Inreception, an antenna 175, when included in the electrical device 102,intercepts some of the power of communication signals 195 in order toproduce a tiny voltage at its terminals, that is applied to a receiver(e.g., transceiver 124), in some cases through an optional switch 145,to be amplified.

An antenna 175 can typically consist of an arrangement of electricalconductors that are electrically connected to each other (often througha transmission line) to create a body of the antenna 175. The body ofthe antenna 175 is electrically coupled to the transceiver 124. Anoscillating current of electrons forced through the body of an antenna175 by the transceiver 124 will create an oscillating magnetic fieldaround the body, while the charge of the electrons also creates anoscillating electric field along the body of the antenna 175. Thesetime-varying fields radiate away from the antenna 175 into space as amoving transverse communication signal 195 (often an electromagneticfield wave). Conversely, during reception, the oscillating electric andmagnetic fields of an incoming communication signal 195 exert force onthe electrons in the body of the antenna 175, causing portions of thebody of the antenna 175 to move back and forth, creating oscillatingcurrents in the antenna 175.

In certain example embodiments, an antenna 175 can be disposed at,within, or on any portion of the electrical device 102-1. For example,an antenna 175 can be disposed on the housing 103 of the electricaldevice 102-1 and extend away from the electrical device 102-1. Asanother example, an antenna 175 can be insert molded into a lens of theelectrical device 102-1. As another example, an antenna 175 can betwo-shot injection molded into the housing 103 of the electrical device102-1. As yet another example, an antenna 175 can be adhesive mountedonto the housing 103 of the electrical device 102-1. As still anotherexample, an antenna 175 can be pad printed onto a circuit board withinthe cavity 101 formed by the housing 103 of the electrical device 102-1.As yet another example, an antenna 175 can be a chip ceramic antennathat is surface mounted. As still another example, an antenna 175 can bea wire antenna.

When there are multiple antennae 175 (or other forms of multiplecommunication points) as part of the electrical device 102-1, there canalso be an optional switch 145, which allows for selection of onecommunication point at a given point in time. In such a case, eachantenna 175 can be electrically coupled to the switch 145, which in turnis electrically coupled to the transceiver 124. The optional switch 145can be a single switch device or a number of switch devices arranged inseries and/or in parallel with each other. The switch 145 determineswhich antenna 175 is coupled to the transceiver 124 at any particularpoint in time. A switch 145 can have one or more contacts, where eachcontact has an open state (position) and a closed state (position).

In the open state, a contact of the switch 145 creates an open circuit,which prevents the transceiver 124 from delivering a communicationsignal 195 to or receiving a communication signal 195 from the antenna175 electrically coupled to that contact of the switch 145. In theclosed state, a contact of the switch 145 creates a closed circuit,which allows the transceiver 124 to deliver a communication signal 195to or receive a communication signal 195 from the antenna 175electrically coupled to that contact of the switch 145. In certainexample embodiments, the position of each contact of the switch 145 iscontrolled by the control engine 106 of the controller 104.

If the switch 145 is a single device, the switch 145 can have multiplecontacts. In any case, only one contact of the switch 145 can be active(closed) at any point in time in certain example embodiments.Consequently, when one contact of the switch 145 is closed, all othercontacts of the switch 145 are open in such example embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a computing device 218 thatimplements one or more of the various techniques described herein, andwhich is representative, in whole or in part, of the elements describedherein pursuant to certain exemplary embodiments. For example, computingdevice 218 can be implemented in the electrical device 102-1 of FIG. 1in the form of the hardware processor 120, the memory 122, and thestorage repository 130, among other components. Computing device 218 isone example of a computing device and is not intended to suggest anylimitation as to scope of use or functionality of the computing deviceand/or its possible architectures. Neither should computing device 218be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to anyone or combination of components illustrated in the example computingdevice 218.

Computing device 218 includes one or more processors or processing units214, one or more memory/storage components 215, one or more input/output(I/O) devices 216, and a bus 217 that allows the various components anddevices to communicate with one another. Bus 217 represents one or moreof any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus ormemory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and aprocessor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. Bus217 includes wired and/or wireless buses.

Memory/storage component 215 represents one or more computer storagemedia. Memory/storage component 215 includes volatile media (such asrandom access memory (RAM)) and/or nonvolatile media (such as read onlymemory (ROM), flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, and soforth). Memory/storage component 215 includes fixed media (e.g., RAM,ROM, a fixed hard drive, etc.) as well as removable media (e.g., a Flashmemory drive, a removable hard drive, an optical disk, and so forth).

One or more I/O devices 216 allow a customer, utility, or other user toenter commands and information to computing device 218, and also allowinformation to be presented to the customer, utility, or other userand/or other components or devices. Examples of input devices include,but are not limited to, a keyboard, a cursor control device (e.g., amouse), a microphone, a touchscreen, and a scanner. Examples of outputdevices include, but are not limited to, a display device (e.g., amonitor or projector), speakers, outputs to a lighting network (e.g.,DMX card), a printer, and a network card.

Various techniques are described herein in the general context ofsoftware or program modules. Generally, software includes routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, and so forth thatperform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Animplementation of these modules and techniques are stored on ortransmitted across some form of computer readable media. Computerreadable media is any available non-transitory medium or non-transitorymedia that is accessible by a computing device. By way of example, andnot limitation, computer readable media includes “computer storagemedia”.

“Computer storage media” and “computer readable medium” include volatileand non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in anymethod or technology for storage of information such as computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, computerrecordable media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other opticalstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which is used tostore the desired information and which is accessible by a computer.

The computer device 218 is connected to a network (not shown) (e.g., aLAN, a WAN such as the Internet, or any other similar type of network)via a network interface connection (not shown) according to someexemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatmany different types of computer systems exist (e.g., desktop computer,a laptop computer, a personal media device, a mobile device, such as acell phone or personal digital assistant, or any other computing systemcapable of executing computer readable instructions), and theaforementioned input and output means take other forms, now known orlater developed, in other exemplary embodiments. Generally speaking, thecomputer system 218 includes at least the minimal processing, input,and/or output means necessary to practice one or more embodiments.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or moreelements of the aforementioned computer device 218 is located at aremote location and connected to the other elements over a network incertain exemplary embodiments. Further, one or more embodiments isimplemented on a distributed system having one or more nodes, where eachportion of the implementation (e.g., control engine 106) is located on adifferent node within the distributed system. In one or moreembodiments, the node corresponds to a computer system. Alternatively,the node corresponds to a processor with associated physical memory insome exemplary embodiments. The node alternatively corresponds to aprocessor with shared memory and/or resources in some exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of another RTLS system 300 in accordance withcertain example embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the RTLSsystem 300 includes a user 350 with a user system 355, multiple objects360 each having a communication device 390 (in this case called a tag),a number of electrical devices 302 each having one or more sensordevices 365, a number of controllers 385 (in this case called wirelessaccess controllers (WACs)), and a network manager 380 (in this casecalled an insight manager (IM) with a RTLS engine). Each of thesecomponents of the system 300 of FIG. 3 can be substantially the same asthe corresponding component of the RTLS system 100 of FIG. 1. Forexample, each sensor device 365 can include a Zigbee-enabledtransceiver, a BLE-enabled receiver, a PIR sensor, and an active IRreceiver.

In this particular case, the communication devices 390 of the objects360 are the physical entities that are tracked by the RTLS system 300.From the perspective of a user 350, each communication device 390 isassociated with an object 360 (also sometimes called an asset). In thisexample, the communication devices 390 use BLE (a form of communicationlink 305 to “beacon” RF signals 395 at a certain rate. A beacon is abroadcast message that, at a minimum, identifies the object 360associated with the sending communication device 390. The integratedsensor device 365 receives these RF signals 395 over the BLE-enabledcommunication links 305 and measures the RSSI along with other dataincluded in the RF signal 395.

This RSSI information is the key piece of data in a RF signal 390 thatallows a controller 385 and/or network manager 380 to locate, in realtime, the communication device 390 (and corresponding object 360) withina volume of space 399 (e.g., in X-Y coordinates, in X-Y-Z coordinates).As used herein, “real time” refers to a user's perspective of the systemand means that objects can be located within the time in which thesignals are transmitted and processed, such as a few milliseconds towithin a few seconds, which time is virtually real time from the user'sperspective. Integrated sensor devices 365 communicate with one or morecontrollers 385 (in this example, WACs 385) using Zigbee-enabledcommunication links 305. In this case, an integrated sensor device 365is a Zigbee-enabled device as well as a BLE-enabled device, and so asensor device 365 can be paired with a single WAC 385.

Communications between a sensor device 365 and a WAC 385 can be limitedby one or more of a number of factors. For example, the bandwidth byexisting Zigbee (or other communication method) protocols for thecommunication link(s) 305 between the sensor device 365 and the WAC 385can limit communications capability. As another example, the capability(e.g., messages per second) of the WAC 385 can limit communicationscapability. As yet another example, the overall communication activityon the Zigbee-enabled communication links 305, involving all sensordevice 365 and WACs 385 at a given point in time, can limitcommunications capability. With all of these potential constraints,intelligent use of the Zigbee-enabled communication links 305 isfundamental to the success of the RTLS system 300 in locating an object360 accurately in real time.

The WACs 385, upon receiving the signals from the sensor devices 365 onthe Zigbee-enabled communication links 305, send the information inthese signals to the network manager 380, which process all of thisinformation (e.g., using one or more algorithms 133) to locate eachobject 360 within the volume of space 399 in real time. The networkmanager 380 can store this information and use it for trending analysis,predictive analysis, and/or any other analysis that may be useful.

BLE proximity methods are widely used in the industry to estimate thedistance between a BLE transmitter (in this case, a communication device390 of an object 360) and a BLE receiver (in this case, a sensor device3650. In a dense and uniformly distributed infrastructure of electricaldevices 302 (e.g., a lighting system), these methods can be optimized toachieve greater accuracy by comparing the RSSI at many BLE receivers andperforming various calculations (by a WAC 385 or network manager 380) toestimate the location of an object 360.

Reasonable accuracy can be expected with these methods, but twosignificant challenges are encountered using BLE communication systems.First, the large number of electrical devices 302 (sensor devices 365 ornodes) creates large amounts of data, and the communication network ofthe system 300 has limited bandwidth. Not all data that is transmittedis useful in establishing the location of an object 360, and care mustbe taken to provide the best data possible to a WAC 385 or networkmanager 380 while still maintaining a healthy (e.g., not dataconstrained) network. In other words, the principal purpose (e.g.,lighting) of the system 300 for which the electrical devices 302 isdesigned should not be affected by the efforts of the system 300 to alsolocate one or more objects 360 in real time.

Second, no matter how accurate the location estimations of objects 360are, there can be challenges in achieving reliable room-level or evenfloor-level accuracy of locating an object 360 using RF signals 395 inthe volume of space 399 because RF signals 395 (e.g., transmitted at 2.4GHz in a BLE-enabled communication network) can penetrate barriers suchas walls and floors. As a result, these barriers can cause the locationof an object 360 to be falsely identified. Other location methods usingexample embodiments are needed to accurately locate objects 360 in realtime in volumes of space that have such barriers and/or present otherchallenges to existing location methods.

FIG. 4 shows a system 400 that can be used for real-time location of anobject 460 in accordance with certain example embodiments. Referring toFIGS. 1 through 4, the lighting system 400 includes a number ofelectrical devices 402, principally in the form of light fixtures,located in a volume of space 499 that includes a hospital room. Alighting system provides unique advantages for implementing an exampleRTLS because the density of the electrical devices (light fixtures)supports a dense network of sensors for locating and tracking objects.

Of the electrical devices 402 that are light fixtures, there are seventroffer light fixtures and five down can light fixtures disposed in theceiling. There is also an electrical device 402 in the form of acomputer monitor. In this case, each electrical device 402 includes asensor device 465, substantially similar to the sensor devices 165discussed above. There are also two objects 460 shown in FIG. 4. Oneobject 460 is a test cart, and the other object 460 is a bed. Eachobject 460 in this case includes a communication device 490 that iscapable of communicating with the electrical devices 402, including anyintegrated sensor devices 465.

FIG. 5 shows another system 500 that can be used for real-time locationof an object 560 in accordance with certain example embodiments.Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, the lighting system 500 includes anumber of electrical devices 502, principally in the form of lightfixtures, located in a volume of space 599 that includes a manufacturingfacility.

Of the electrical devices 502 that are light fixtures, there are atleast 56 Hi-Bay light fixtures suspended from the ceiling and at least30 work stations located on the floor. In this case, each electricaldevice 502 includes a sensor device 565, substantially similar to thesensor devices 165 discussed above. There is also an object 560 shown inFIG. 5 that is in the form of a cart. The object 560 in this caseincludes a communication device 590 that is capable of communicatingwith the electrical devices 502, including any integrated sensor devices565.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a side and top view, respectively, of a system 600in which an object 660 (including its corresponding communication device690) is located in volume of space 699 in accordance with certainexample embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6B, also located inthe volume of space 699 of FIGS. 6A and 6B are three electrical devices602 (specifically, electrical device 602-1, electrical device 602-2, andelectrical device 602-3), where the electrical devices 602 are types oflight fixtures and are substantially similar to the electrical devices102 of FIG. 1 above. As discussed above, the volume of space 699 can beof any size and/or in any location. For example, the volume of space 699can be one or more rooms in an office building.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, all of the electrical devices 602 can belocated in the volume of space 699. Alternatively, one or more of theelectrical devices 602 can be located outside the volume of space 699,as long as the RF signals (e.g., RF signals 195) sent by the transceiver(e.g., transceiver 124) of the light fixture 602 are received by thecommunication device 690 of the object 660, and as long as the RFsignals (or other types of communication signals) sent by thecommunication device 690 of the object 660 are received by thetransceiver of the corresponding electrical device 602, as applicable.

Each of the electrical devices 602 can include one or more sensordevices 665. In this example, electrical device 602-1 includes sensordevice 665-1, electrical device 602-2 includes sensor device 665-2, andelectrical device 602-3 includes sensor device 665-3. One or more ofthese sensor devices 665 can be integrated sensor devices 665. In such acase, the BLE-enabled receiver of a sensor device 665, whether on itsown or in conjunction with the controller (e.g., controller 104) of thelight fixture 602, can determine the signal strength of the RF signals(e.g., communication signals 195) received from the communication device690 of the object 660.

If the sensor devices 665 of the electrical devices 602 are used tocommunicate with the communication device 690 of the object 660, then itis the sensor devices 665 that have the broadcasts ranges 782. In such acase, sensor device 665-1 of 1 electrical device 602-1 has broadcastrange 782-1 inside of which the sensor device 665-1 broadcasts signals(e.g., communication signals). Similarly, sensor device 665-2 ofelectrical device 602-2 has broadcast range 782-2 inside of which thesensor device 665-2 broadcasts signals, and sensor device 665-3 ofelectrical device 602-3 has broadcast range 782-3 inside of which thesensor device 665-3 broadcasts signals.

FIG. 7 shows the system 700 of FIGS. 6A and 6B when a RF signal 795 (atype of communication signal 195) is sent by one of the electricaldevices 602 in accordance with certain example embodiments. Referring toFIGS. 1 through 7, electrical device 602-1 broadcasts a RF signal 795.Each electrical device 602 has a broadcast range 782. In this case,electrical device 602-1 has broadcast range 782-1, electrical device602-2 has broadcast range 782-2, and electrical device 602-3 hasbroadcast range 782-3. Since the communication device 690 of the object660 is located within the broadcast range 782-1 for light fixture 602-1,the communication device 690 of the object 660 receives RF signal 795.

In the event that the sensor devices 665 are used to communicate withthe communication device 690 of the object 660, sensor device 665-1 canhave broadcast range 782-1. In such a case, sensor device 665-1 can send(e.g., broadcast) RF signal 795 into the volume of space 699, and thecommunication device 690 of the object 660 receives the RF signal 795because the communication device 690 of the object 660 is within thebroadcast range 782-1. The RF signal 795 can be sent, as an example,using BLE.

FIG. 8 shows the system 800 of FIGS. 6A through 7 when a RF signal 895(another type of communication signal 895) is sent by the communicationdevice 690 of the object 660 in accordance with certain exampleembodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, the RF signal 895 sent bythe communication device 690 of the object 660 can be in response to theRF signal 795 sent by electrical device 602-1, as shown in FIG. 7.Alternatively, the communication device 690 of the object 660 can sendthe RF signal 895 independent of any other component (e.g., anelectrical device 602) or factor. As discussed above, the RF signal 895broadcast by the communication device 690 of the object 660 can includethe UUID of the object 660 (or portion thereof) as well as other code,such as, for example, identifying information of the light fixture 602-1that sent the RF signal 795.

The communication device 690 of the object 660 has a broadcast range882, and all three of the electrical devices 602 are located within thebroadcast range 882 of the communication device 690 of the object 660.As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, all three of the electrical devices 602receive the RF signal 895 broadcast by the communication device 690 ofthe object 660. When each electrical device 602 receives the RF signal895 broadcast by the communication device 690 of the object 660, thatelectrical device 602 measures the signal strength (e.g., the RSSIvalue) of the RF signal 895.

For example, since the communication device 690 of the object 660appears to be equidistant between electrical device 602-1 and electricaldevice 602-2, the signal strength of the RF signal 895 measured byelectrical device 602-1 and electrical device 602-2 should besubstantially the same. Also, since electrical device 602-3 is furtheraway from the communication device 690 of the object 660 compared toelectrical device 602-1 and electrical device 602-2, the signal strengthof the RF signal 895 measured by electrical device 602-3 should be lessthan what is measured by electrical device 602-1 and electrical device602-2.

As discussed above, in the event that the sensor devices 665 are used tocommunicate with the communication device 690 of the object 660, sensordevice 665-1, sensor device 665-2, and sensor device 665-3 can eachreceive the RF signal 895 broadcast by the communication device 690 ofthe object 660 because sensor device 665-1, sensor device 665-2, andsensor device 665-3 area all within the broadcast range 882 of thecommunication device 690 of the object 660. The RF signal 895 can besent, as an example, using BLE.

FIG. 9 shows a diagram of an integrated sensor module 965 in accordancewith certain example embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 9, theintegrated sensor module 965 of FIG. 9 can include one or more of anumber of components. Such components, can include, but are not limitedto, a controller 904 (which can include, for example, a control engine906, a communication module 908, a timer 910, a power module 912, astorage repository 930, a hardware processor 920, a memory 922, one ormore transceivers 924, an application interface 926, and, optionally, asecurity module 928) and one or more sensors 939. The components shownin FIG. 9 are not exhaustive, and in some embodiments, one or more ofthe components shown in FIG. 9 may not be included in an exampleintegrated sensor device 965. Any component of the example integratedsensor device 965 can be discrete, combined with one or more othercomponents of the integrated sensor device 965, and/or shared with thecontroller 104 of the electrical device 102-1 associated with theintegrated sensor device 965.

The controller 904, the control engine 906, the communication module908, the timer 910, the power module 912, the storage repository 930(which can include protocols 931, algorithms 932, and object data 934),the hardware processor 920, the memory 922, the one or more transceivers924, the application interface 926, and the security module 928 can besubstantially the same as the corresponding components of the controller104 discussed above with respect to FIG. 1. In the case of the powermodule 912 of the integrated sensor device 965, the power module 912 canbe substantially the same as, at least in part, the power module 112and/or the power supply 140 of the electrical device 102-1. Each of theone or more sensors 939 of the integrated sensor device 965 are thecomponents that actually measure one or more parameters. An example of asensor 939 is a PIR sensor. Each component of the integrated sensordevice 965 can be disposed within, on, or external from a housing 938 ofthe integrated sensor device 965.

FIGS. 10-15 show an example in accordance with certain exampleembodiments. Specifically, FIG. 10 shows a system 1098 in accordancewith certain example embodiments at a first point in time. FIG. 11 showsa system 1198 that includes the same components as the system 1098 ofFIG. 10 at a second point in time. FIG. 12 shows a system 1298 thatincludes the same components as the system 1098 of FIG. 10 at a thirdpoint in time. FIG. 13 shows a system 1398 that includes the samecomponents as the system 1098 of FIG. 10 at a fourth point in time. FIG.14 shows a system 1498 that includes the same components as the system1098 of FIG. 10 at a fifth point in time. FIG. 15 shows a system 1598that includes the same components as the system 1098 of FIG. 10 at asixth point in time.

Referring to FIGS. 1-15, the system 1098 of FIG. 10 includes an object1060 with a communication device 1090, an object 1160 with acommunication device 1190, an electrical device 1002, an electricaldevice 1102, and a network manager 1080. Object 1060, object 1160,electrical device 1002, and electrical device 1102 are located in avolume of space 1099. The network manager 1080 may or may not be locatedin the volume of space 1099. The network manager 1080, electrical device1002, electrical device 1102, object 1060, communication device 1090,and communication signals of FIGS. 10-15 can be substantially the sameas the network manager, electrical devices, objects, and communicationdevices discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 9.

The example captured in FIGS. 10-15 does not include a WAC (e.g., WAC185). In one or more alternative embodiments, a WAC can replace thenetwork manager 1080. In yet one or more alternative embodiments, a WACcan be disposed between and communicably coupled to the network manager1080 one side and electrical device 1002 and electrical device 1102 onanother side. In such a case, the WAC can generate and maintain thetable discussed below. As a result, communications between the WAC andthe network manager 1080 that involve object 1060 (or the associatedcommunication device 1090) and/or object 1160 (or the associatedcommunication device 1190) can use the original ID or the alternativeID, depending in part on whether the portion of the communicationnetwork between the WAC and the network manager 1080 is constrained andwhether the network manager 1080 stores a copy of the table with suchidentification information. Alternatively, the WAC can be a go-betweenor pass-through for the network manager 1080 one side and electricaldevice 1002 and electrical device 1102 on the other side.

In the system 1098 of FIG. 10, the communication device 1090 of object1060 broadcasts a communication signal 1095 into the volume of space1099. The broadcast ranges of electrical device 1002 and electricaldevice 1102 are within (overlap with) the broadcast range of thecommunication device 1090 of the object 1060, and so the communicationsignal 1095 is received by both electrical device 1002 and electricaldevice 1102. The communication signal 1095 in this case includes the48-bit identification of the object 1060 or the communication device1090.

In the system 1198 of FIG. 11, which occurs an amount of time (e.g., 1second, 1 minute, 0.1 seconds) after what is shown in FIG. 10,electrical device 1002 sends a communication signal 1195-1 to thenetwork manager 1080, and electrical device 1102 sends a communicationsignal 1195-2 to the network manager 1080. If electrical device 1002does not already have a table with the alternative ID (e.g., SMACaddress) for the object 1060 (or the associated communication device1090), then the communication signal 1195-1 includes the original 48-bitidentification of the object 1060 (or associated communication device1090) and the identification of electrical device 1002. Otherwise, ifthe electrical device 1002 does already have a table with thealternative ID (e.g., SMAC address) for the object 1060 (or theassociated communication device 1090), then the communication signal1195-1 includes the alternative ID (as opposed to the original 48-bitidentification) for the object 1060 (or associated communication device1090).

Similarly, electrical device 1102 does not already have a table with thealternative ID (e.g., SMAC address) for the object 1060 (or theassociated communication device 1090), then the communication signal1195-2 includes the original 48-bit identification of the object 1060(or associated communication device 1090) and the identification ofelectrical device 1102. Otherwise, if the electrical device 1102 doesalready have a table with the alternative ID (e.g., SMAC address) forthe object 1060 (or the associated communication device 1090), then thecommunication signal 1195-2 includes the alternative ID (as opposed tothe original 48-bit identification) for the object 1060 (or associatedcommunication device 1090).

These two communication signals 1195 can be sent at the same time orwithin some range of time (e.g., 1 second, 1 minute, 0.1 seconds) withrespect to each other. In some cases, if the alternative ID for theobject 1060 (or associated communication device 1090) is not alreadystored with electrical device 1002 or electrical device 1102, thenrather than sending the full 6-byte identification, the electricaldevice 1002 and/or electrical device 1102 can send a shorter (e.g.,3-byte) identification as part of the communication signal 1195. In sucha case, for example if a 3-byte identification is sent as part of acommunication signal 1195, then it can be assumed by the network manager1080 that the first (top) 3 bytes (or remainder of the normal 6-bytecapacity that was not part of the shorter identification) of theidentification of the object 1060 or associated communication device1090 are a fixed origination unique identifier (OUI). This shorteridentification would not be as short as the alternative identificationgenerated and maintained by the network manager 1080.

When the network manager 1080 receives communication signal 1195-1 andcommunication signal 1195-2, the network manager 1080 determines thecontent of those communication signals 1195. For example, the networkmanager 1080 can determine the 48-bit identification (e.g., the MACaddress) of the object 1060 (or the associated communication device1090), a time associated with a communication involving the object 1060or the associated communication device 1090 (e.g., the time at which thecommunication signal 1095 was sent, the time at which the communicationsignal 1095 was received, the time at which the communication signal1195 was sent, the time at which the communication signal 1195 wasreceived), and the identification of the electrical device (electricaldevice 1002 or electrical device 1102) sending the communication signal1195.

In certain example embodiments, the controller (e.g., controller 104) ofthe network manager 1080 can generate/update one or more tables thatinclude the original identification information associated with theobject 1060 (or the associated communication device 1090). As part ofgenerating and maintaining such a table, the controller of the networkmanager 1080 can generate an alternative (shorter) identification of theobject 1060 (or the associated communication device 1090). The followingportion of such a table is an example of what the controller of thenetwork manager 1080 can generate based on the information included inthe communication signals 1195 received from electrical device 1002and/or electrical device 1102.

Time Stamp of Most Alternative Recent Original ID ID Activity Priority100110001101010111000011000110100111100101101010 10011101 13:54:22 1 onMay 30, 2019

In this case, the alternative identification (e.g., the SMAC address) ofthe object 1060 (or associated communication device 1090) is 8 bitsinstead of the 48 bits of the original identification (e.g., the MACaddress). The 8-bit alternative identification can be used, for example,when there are less than 256 objects/communication devices in thesystem. If there are more than 256 objects/communication devices in thesystem but less than 512 objects/communication devices in the system,then the alternative identification (e.g., SMAC address) can be 9 bits.If there are more than 512 objects/communication devices in the systembut less than 1024 objects/communication devices in the system, then thealternative identification (e.g., SMAC address) can be 10 bits. If thereare more than 1024 objects/communication devices in the system but lessthan 2048 objects/communication devices in the system, then thealternative identification (e.g., SMAC address) can be 11 bits.

The decision as to the size of the alternative identification, or evenwhether to create an alternative identification, can be made by thecontroller (e.g., controller) of the network manager 1080. For example,if the network manager 1080 determines that the portion of thecommunication network between the network manager 1080 on one side andelectrical device 1002 and/or electrical device 1102 is not constrained,then the network manager can opt not to generate an alternativeidentification for the object 1060 or associated communication device1090. As another example, if the network manager 1080 determines that agreater number of objects (e.g., object 1060) or associatedcommunication devices (e.g., communication device 1090) is in the system1198 compared to what previously existed, then the network manager canconvert existing alternative identifications from a 7-bit size to an8-bit size, and the network manager can also generate 8-bit alternativeidentifications for new objects or associated communication devices.

If there is further communication (e.g., with a WAC 185, with a networkmanager 180 of another system 100) that the network manager 1080 hasinvolving the identification of the object 1060 (or associatedcommunication device 1090), then the network manager 1080 can generateand transmit communication signals (e.g., communication signals 195)that use the original ID of the object 1060 (or associated communicationdevice 1090) when the recipient does not have a copy of the table thatincludes the alternative ID of the object 1060 (or associatedcommunication device 1090). If the recipient does have a copy of thetable that includes the alternative ID of the object 1060 (or associatedcommunication device 1090), then a communication signal generated andtransmitted by the network manager 1080 to the recipient can include thealternative ID of the object 1060 (or associated communication device1090).

In the system 1298 of FIG. 12, which occurs an amount of time after whatis shown in FIG. 11, the network manager 1080 broadcasts a communicationsignal 1295 (or series of communication signals 1295) that is receivedby electrical device 1002 and electrical device 1102. The communicationsignal 1295 can include at least the part of the table shown above withrespect to the original identification of the object 1060 (or associatedcommunication device 1090), the alternative identification of the object1060 (or associated communication device 1090), the last recordedcommunication from the object 1060 (or associated communication device1090), and the priority of the object 1060 (or associated communicationdevice 1090) relative to other objects (or communication devices) in anoverall system.

As an alternative, rather than broadcasting the communication signal1295, the network manager 1080 can send separate communication signals1295 that are individually addressed to electrical device 1002 and toelectrical device 1102. The communication signals 1295 can include theentire table maintained by the network manager 1080. Alternatively, thecommunication signals 1295 can only contain the portions of the tablethat have been revised, deleted, or added since the previous suchcommunication signal sent by the network manager 1080 to electricaldevice 1002 and electrical device 1102.

In the system 1398 of FIG. 13, the communication device 1190 of object1160 broadcasts a communication signal 1395 into the volume of space1099. The broadcast ranges of electrical device 1002 and electricaldevice 1102 are within (overlap with) the broadcast range of thecommunication device 1190 of the object 1160, and so the communicationsignal 1395 is received by both electrical device 1002 and electricaldevice 1102. The communication signal 1395 in this case includes the48-bit identification of the object 1160 or the communication device1190.

In the system 1498 of FIG. 14, which occurs an amount of time (e.g., 1second, 1 minute, 0.1 seconds) after what is shown in FIG. 13,electrical device 1002 sends a communication signal 1495-1 to thenetwork manager 1080, and electrical device 1102 sends a communicationsignal 1495-2 to the network manager 1080. If electrical device 1002does not already have a table with the alternative ID (e.g., SMACaddress) for the object 1160 (or the associated communication device1190), then the communication signal 1495-1 includes the original 48-bitidentification of the object 1160 (or associated communication device1190) and the identification of electrical device 1002. Otherwise, ifthe electrical device 1002 does already have a table with thealternative ID (e.g., SMAC address) for the object 1160 (or theassociated communication device 1190), then the communication signal1495-1 includes the alternative ID (as opposed to the original 48-bitidentification) for the object 1160 (or associated communication device1190).

Similarly, electrical device 1102 does not already have a table with thealternative ID (e.g., SMAC address) for the object 1160 (or theassociated communication device 1190), then the communication signal1495-2 includes the original 48-bit identification of the object 1160(or associated communication device 1190) and the identification ofelectrical device 1102. Otherwise, if the electrical device 1102 doesalready have a table with the alternative ID (e.g., SMAC address) forthe object 1160 (or the associated communication device 1190), then thecommunication signal 1495-2 includes the alternative ID (as opposed tothe original 48-bit identification) for the object 1160 (or associatedcommunication device 1190).

These two communication signals 1495 can be sent at the same time orwithin some range of time (e.g., 1 second, 1 minute, 0.1 seconds) withrespect to each other. In some cases, if the alternative ID for theobject 1060 (or associated communication device 1090) is not alreadystored with electrical device 1002 or electrical device 1102, thenrather than sending the full 6-byte identification, the electricaldevice 1002 and/or electrical device 1102 can send a shorter (e.g.,3-byte) identification as part of the communication signal 1495. In sucha case, for example if a 3-byte identification is sent as part of acommunication signal 1195, then it can be assumed by the network manager1080 that the first (top) 3 bytes (or remainder of the normal 6-bytecapacity that was not part of the shorter identification) of theidentification of the object 1060 or associated communication device1090 are a fixed OUI. This shorter identification would not be as shortas the alternative identification generated and maintained by thenetwork manager 1080.

When the network manager 1080 receives communication signal 1495-1 andcommunication signal 1495-2, the network manager 1080 determines thecontent of those communication signals 1495. For example, the networkmanager 1080 can determine the 48-bit identification (e.g., the MACaddress) of the object 1160 (or the associated communication device1190), a time associated with a communication involving the object 1160or the associated communication device 1190 (e.g., the time at which thecommunication signal 1395 was sent, the time at which the communicationsignal 1395 was received, the time at which the communication signal1495 was sent, the time at which the communication signal 1495 wasreceived), and the identification of the electrical device (electricaldevice 1002 or electrical device 1102) sending the communication signal1495.

In certain example embodiments, the controller (e.g., controller 104) ofthe network manager 1080 can update one or more tables (e.g., the tableshown above) that include the original identification informationassociated with the object 1160 (or the associated communication device1190). As part of maintaining such a table, the controller of thenetwork manager 1080 can generate an alternative (shorter)identification of the object 1160 (or the associated communicationdevice 1190). The following portion of such a table, which is an updateof the portion of the table shown above, is an example of what thecontroller of the network manager 1080 can generate based on theinformation included in the communication signals 1495 received fromelectrical device 1002 and/or electrical device 1102.

Time Stamp of Most Alternative Recent Original ID ID Activity Priority100110001101010111000011000110100111100101101010 10011101 13:54:22 1 onMay 30, 2019 111010000101100100011011101100010100011001100011 1101001009:24:49 4 on Jun. 26, 2019

In this case, as with what is described above with respect to FIG. 11,the alternative identification (e.g., the SMAC address) of the object1160 (or associated communication device 1190) is 8 bits instead of the48 bits of the original identification (e.g., the MAC address). Theupdated table shows that the object 1160 (or associated communicationdevice 1190) has a lower priority relative to the object 1060 (orassociated communication device 1090). The updated table also shows thatalmost a month has passed since the last communication signal (e.g.,communication signal 1095) sent by the communication device 1090 ofobject 1060.

If there is further communication (e.g., with a WAC 185, with a networkmanager 180 of another system 100) that the network manager 1080 hasinvolving the identification of the object 1160 (or associatedcommunication device 1190), then the network manager 1080 can generateand transmit communication signals (e.g., communication signals 195)that use the original ID of the object 1160 (or associated communicationdevice 1190) when the recipient does not have a copy of the table thatincludes the alternative ID of the object 1160 (or associatedcommunication device 1190). If the recipient does have a copy of thetable that includes the alternative ID of the object 1160 (or associatedcommunication device 1190), then a communication signal generated andtransmitted by the network manager 1080 to the recipient can include thealternative ID of the object 1160 (or associated communication device1190).

In the system 1598 of FIG. 15, which occurs an amount of time after whatis shown in FIG. 14, the network manager 1080 broadcasts a communicationsignal 1595 (or series of communication signals 1595) that is receivedby electrical device 1002 and electrical device 1102. The communicationsignal 1595 can include at least the part of the table shown above withrespect to the original identification of the object 1160 (or associatedcommunication device 1190), the alternative identification of the object1160 (or associated communication device 1190), the last recordedcommunication from the object 1160 (or associated communication device1190), and the priority of the object 1160 (or associated communicationdevice 1190) relative to other objects (or communication devices) in anoverall system.

As an alternative, rather than broadcasting the communication signal1595, the network manager 1080 can send separate communication signals1595 that are individually addressed to electrical device 1002 and toelectrical device 1102. The communication signals 1595 can include theentire table maintained by the network manager 1080. Alternatively, thecommunication signals 1595 can only contain the portions of the tablethat have been revised, deleted, or added since the previous suchcommunication signal sent by the network manager 1080 to electricaldevice 1002 and electrical device 1102.

In some cases, rather than the portion of the previous table shownabove, if a threshold value of time (e.g., 20 days) has passed since thelast communication signal received from the communication device 1090 ofthe object 1060, then the network manager 1080 can purge the entry forthe object 1060 (or associated communication device 1090) from thetable. Alternatively, the network manager 1080 can keep the record aboutobject 1060 in the table, but then send a version of the table thatremoves the entry for the object 1060.

In one or more example embodiments, alternative identifications areprovided to low end devices in a large interconnected network. Thealternative identifications can be assigned toward the low end of thehierarchy of the interconnected network or toward the upper end of thehierarchy of the interconnected network. The alternative identificationsassigned in example embodiments can be put into tables that are used forall or a subset of a network. In other words, multiple tables can exist,where each table captures the alternative identification of a subset(e.g., a certain volume of space, certain tags) of devices in a network.In certain example embodiments, a table containing alternativeidentifications are updated on a regular basis, including purginginactive tags.

Example embodiments can be used with systems used for real-time location(RTLS) of objects. In such a case, example embodiments can be used tomore efficiently locate an object in a volume of space relative tocurrent systems and methods by reducing the size of communicationsignals transmitted. Example embodiments can be used with multiplecommunication protocols and/or methods. Example embodiments can be usedin new systems or retrofit into existing systems. Example embodimentsinclude new or updated software so that a network can work moreefficiently. Using example embodiments described herein can improvecommunication, safety, maintenance, costs, and operating efficiency.

Accordingly, many modifications and other embodiments set forth hereinwill come to mind to one skilled in the art to which example embodimentspertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoingdescriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to beunderstood that example embodiments are not to be limited to thespecific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and otherembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of thisapplication. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are usedin a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

1. A system for assigning alternative identification to objects in avolume of space, comprising: a first communication device of a firstobject disposed in the volume of space, wherein the first communicationdevice broadcasts a first communication signal into the volume of space,wherein the first communication signal comprises a first identificationof the first object; a first electrical device disposed in the volume ofspace, wherein the first electrical device comprises a first receiverand a first transmitter, wherein the first receiver receives the firstcommunication signal broadcast by the first communication device of thefirst object; and a controller communicably coupled to the firstelectrical device, wherein the controller: retrieves the firstidentification of the first communication device from the firstcommunication signal, wherein the first identification has a firstlength; assigns a first alternative identification to the firstcommunication device based on the first identification, wherein thefirst alternative identification has a second length that is shorterthan the first length; saves an association between the firstidentification and the first alternative identification of the firstobject in a first table; and sends a second communication signalcomprising the first table, wherein the first table includes theassociation between the first alternative identification and the firstidentification of the first object.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinthe controller is part of the first electrical device.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is part of a wireless access controller.4. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is part of a networkmanager.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first identification is48 bits, and wherein the first alternative identification is between 8bits and 11 bits.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the electricaldevice comprises a light fixture.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein theelectrical device comprises an integrated sensor device.
 8. The systemof claim 1, wherein the first communication signal is a radio frequencysignal.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first table also includesa first time at which the first communication signal is received. 10.The system of claim 9, wherein the controller further removes the firstidentification and the first alternative identification of the firstobject from the first table at a second time when a difference betweenthe second time and the first time exceeds a threshold value of time andwhen no subsequent communication signal is received from the firstcommunication device since the first time.
 11. The system of claim 1,wherein the first table also includes a priority indicator for the firstobject relative to other objects in the volume of space.
 12. The systemof claim 1, further comprising: a second communication device of asecond object disposed in the volume of space, wherein the secondcommunication device broadcasts a third communication signal into thevolume of space, wherein the third communication signal comprises asecond identification of the second object; and a second electricaldevice disposed in the volume of space, wherein the second electricaldevice comprises a second receiver and a second transmitter, wherein thesecond receiver receives the third communication signal broadcast by thesecond communication device of the second object, wherein the controlleris further communicably coupled to the second electrical device, whereinthe controller further: retrieves the second identification of thesecond communication device from the third communication signal; assignsa second alternative identification to the second communication devicebased on the second identification; saves the second identification andthe second alternative identification of the second object in the firsttable; and sends a fourth communication signal comprising the secondalternative identification and the second identification of the secondobject.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the controller further sendsthe first alternative identification and the first identification of thefirst object in the fourth communication signal.
 14. The system of claim1, further comprising: a second communication device of a second objectdisposed in the volume of space, wherein the second communication devicebroadcasts a third communication signal into the volume of space,wherein the third communication signal comprises a second identificationof the second object, wherein the first receiver of the first electricaldevice receives the third communication signal broadcast by the secondcommunication device of the second object, wherein the controller isfurther communicably coupled to the second electrical device, whereinthe controller further: retrieves the second identification of thesecond communication device from the third communication signal; assignsa second alternative identification to the second communication devicebased on the second identification; saves the second identification andthe second alternative identification of the second object in the firsttable; and sends a fourth communication signal comprising the secondalternative identification and the second identification of the secondobject.
 15. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a secondcommunication device of a second object disposed in the volume of space,wherein the second communication device broadcasts a third communicationsignal into the volume of space, wherein the third communication signalcomprises a second identification of the second object; and a secondelectrical device disposed in the volume of space, wherein the secondelectrical device comprises a second receiver and a second transmitter,wherein the second receiver receives the third communication signalbroadcast by the second communication device of the second object,wherein the controller is further communicably coupled to the secondelectrical device, wherein the controller further: retrieves the secondidentification of the second communication device from the thirdcommunication signal; assigns a second alternative identification to thesecond communication device based on the second identification; savesthe second identification and the second alternative identification ofthe second object in a second table; and sends a fourth communicationsignal comprising the second alternative identification and the secondidentification of the second object.
 16. The system of claim 1, whereinthe controller further locates the first object within the volume ofspace in real time.
 17. A controller for assigning alternativeidentification to objects in a volume of space, wherein the controlleris configured to: receive a first identification of a firstcommunication device associated with a first object in a firstcommunication signal, wherein the first identification has a firstlength; assign a first alternative identification to the firstcommunication device based on the first identification, wherein thefirst alternative identification has a second length that is shorterthan the first length; save an association between the firstidentification and the first alternative identification of the firstobject in a table; and send a second communication signal comprising atleast a portion of the table containing the association between thefirst alternative identification and the first identification of thefirst object.
 18. The controller of claim 17, wherein the controller isconfigured to: receive a second identification of a second communicationdevice associated with a second object in a third communication signal;assign a second alternative identification to the second communicationdevice based on the second identification; save the secondidentification and the second alternative identification of the secondobject in the table; and send a fourth communication signal comprisingthe second alternative identification and the second identification ofthe second object.
 19. The controller of claim 17, wherein thecontroller is configured to: receive a second identification of a secondcommunication device associated with a second object in a thirdcommunication signal; assign a second alternative identification to thesecond communication device based on the second identification; save thesecond identification and the second alternative identification of thesecond object in an additional table; and send a fourth communicationsignal comprising the second alternative identification and the secondidentification of the second object.
 20. The controller of claim 17,wherein the controller is further configured to: remove the firstidentification and the first alternative identification of the firstobject from the table when an amount of time since the firstcommunication signal has been received with no subsequent communicationsignal associated with the first object exceeds a threshold value oftime.